Sony Masterclasses

Sony Europe present a host of photography events, masterclasses and content across the continent. Read on below to see how Sony works with award-winning photographers as they delve deep into the world of photography with their monthly Masterclasses.

Sony Europe are also, once again, proud sponsors of the World Photography Awards and this year are showcasing monthly themed masterclass videos of previous winners and finalists. Learn how they shot their award winning photos and pickup tips on how to approach a variety of themes such as Nature, People, Panoramas and many more. Engage with the Sony Europe community here for more on past Sony World Photography Award winners and finalists, and engage with the Sony Experience in your home country.

Natalia Wiernik chats about her approach to photography, her experience shooting the notable series "The Protagonists", and what it's like to use the Sony NEX-3N.

Regis Boileau: 2013 Sony World Photography Awards finalist

Regis Boileau shares here his approach to photography, his experience shooting some of his most famous series, and what it's like to use the Sony NEX-3N.

Daniel Duart: 2013 Sony World Photography Awards Travel Finalist

After receiving 2nd place for his travel series in the 2013 Sony World Photography Awards, Daniel joins the Sony Europe Masterclass Programme. He shares his experience shooting his finalist series, upcoming projects, and his take on the Sony RX1.

Sony at Photokina 2014

At ‘Photokina 2014,’ the leading international trade fair for the photography and imaging sector in Cologne, Germany, Sony Corporation ("Sony") is showcasing the PXW-FS7 XDCAM™ memory camcorder with interchangeable lens system alongside its range ofα interchangeable-lens cameras, and the full range of α mount system lenses, including the new high-performance range of ‘α’ lens products compatible with full-frame 35mm sensors. Sony is also showcasing the “4D FOCUS,” auto focus system which consists of a wide horizontal/vertical coverage area, rapid autofocus (AF), and a unique AF system that achieves high predictive precision, all of which are incorporated in products such as the ‘α6000’ and promote as one of its leading technologies for cameras.

This event will also introduce prize-winning works from the ‘Sony World Photography Awards 2014’, which Sony has been supporting since 2007.

‘α’ Interchangeable-lens Camera

E-mount series
Sony is showcasing its α7 series, which incorporate a full-frame 35 mm CMOS sensor in compact, lightweight interchangeable-lens camera bodies, as well as the α6000.

α7S
Combining an Exmor® CMOS 35mm sensor, with approximately 12.2 million effective pixels, and the BIONZ X™ image processing engine, the α7S facilitates photography with high sensitivity and low noise, for both still photographs and video, with an extremely wide range of sensitivity and dynamic range.

α5100
Equipped with an Exmor CMOS sensor, the α5100 delivers approximately 24.3 million effective pixels and an in-built 179 focal point image plane phase detection AF sensor that covers almost the entire screen. Adoption of the evolved fast hybrid AF has achieved excellent dynamic body tracking and high-speed AF in just 0.07 seconds*1.

A-mount series
The A-mount camera line-up boasts leading technologies and an abundant range of high-performance interchangeable lenses to enable users to enjoy the pursuit of emotion and expression by taking photographs.

α77 II
The latest model in the A-mount range is equipped with an Exmor CMOS sensor with approximately 24.3 million effective pixels and a 79 focal point phase detection AF sensor (15 cross points)*2; the world’s highest*3. The α77 II achieves high picture quality and tracking performance, as well as excellent AF precision, thanks to its new AF algorithm. Even with a moving target, the AF continuously tracks the subject for high-speed continuous burst shooting (up to 12 frames per second*4 burst of up to 60 full-resolution frames*5) to capture the desired moment in time.

*2： The supported number of range points varies depending on the lens.

*4： In Continuous Advance Priority AE mode. The aperture is F3.5 to prioritize continuous shooting, while the aperture

value is controlled for lenses with aperture smaller than F3.5.

*5： When picture quality is set to ‘FINE’ and image size is set to ‘L.’

XDCAM™ Memory Camcorder with Interchangeable Lens System

PXW-FS7
Utilising α E-mount lenses, and equipped with a 4K Exmor Super 35 mm CMOS sensor (approx. 11.6 million total pixels, and 8.8 effective pixels), this model supports recording in 4K XAVC*6. The new ergonomic design*7 ensures that superior maneuverability is possible, even for one-man operation, in any shooting style whether on-the-shoulder, handheld, or held in a low position.

*6： QFHD (3840 x 2160) resolution will be supported at the time of launch. Recording in 4096 x 2160 resolution will be supported in the future with a firmware update.

This firmware update is scheduled for release during the fourth quarter of FY 2014.

*7： Ergonomic design: This refers to design that has been optimized to enable people to move more naturally, effortlessly, and efficiently, based on the field of research known as human engineering (ergonomics).

α Lenses

SEL1635Z ZEISS® wide-angle zoom lens Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS (E-mount)*8:
The SEL1635Z delivers extremely high resolution that enables the sharp depiction of objects, right to the very edge of the screen, and reduces distortion and field curvature to the absolute minimum. In addition, the use of ED (extra-low dispersion) glass allows chromatic aberration to be suppressed. The ZEISS T* (“T-star”) coating provides high-contrast representation capabilities to control reflected light on the lens surface. The excellent optical performance is well-suited to authentic landscape photography and makes full use of the wide angle lens.

SELP28135G motorized zoom G Lens™ FE PZ 28-135mm F4 G OSS (E-mount)*8:
The world’s first*9 standard lens that supports a 35 mm full-frame sensor, while also equipped with a motorized zoom lens. It was designed to deliver optimized operability and optical performance for shooting high-quality video, such as 4K, and to be compatible with the α7 series, and the PXW-FS7 professional-use camcorder, which was announced at IBC 2014. Sony has incorporated SSM (Super Sonicwave Motor) as the zoom lens drive, to facilitate smooth, quiet operation. This is the first time an α lens has been equipped with the three-faceted operational ring of “zoom-focus-aperture,” to enable a wide range of zoom speed controls and zoom direction reversal*10.

*8: This model was announced in Europe.

*9: As a lens for digital cameras with interchangeable lens systems. * Current at the time of this press release; as investigated by Sony.

*10: Determined by the body settings when mounted on the ‘α7S’ or the ‘PXW-FS7.’

Lens-style Camera
Sony will display its series of Lens-style cameras. These cameras can be connected to the user’s smartphone*12 via Wi-Fi to enjoy shooting when attached to the smartphone, or to shoot handheld selfies, or stills or videos*13 from any angle, when detached from the smartphone.

ILCE-QX1
This is the first model in the series with an interchangeable lens option, and offers the same large-sized APS-C sensor as an interchangeable lens camera. Enjoy high picture quality with beautiful bokeh effects, shoot clear night scenes with high sensitivity and low noise, or attach α mount system*14 lenses to explore an even wider range of creative options.

DSC-QX30
Equipped with a Sony G lens (an optical 30x zoom lens) and optical image stabilization. Distant subjects that are hard to capture using the built-in camera on a smartphone can now be shot with greater accuracy.

*13: Some types of photography, such as shooting videos or continuous shooting, require a memory card to be used with the camera.

*14: An adapter is required to attach an A-mount lens. Some features may be restricted when the adapter is attached.

Action Cam
HDR-AZ1VR Action Cam Mini:

Weighing just 63g*15, this model can be attached to the user’s body or, for example, to bicycle handlebars, to enable easy shooting while enjoying sports such as snowboarding, mountain biking, or surfing. By equipping the new Live View Remote (bundled accessory) with GPS recording functionality, Sony has succeeded in delivering a camera that is approximately 1/3 more compact and lightweight than the current model (HDR-AS100V). In addition to the aforementioned sporting scenarios, this camera will enable powerful, high-quality experiential footage to be photographed in an even wider variety of situations, from travel through to leisure activities.

*15: Weight including the battery. (weighs approx. 48g without the battery)

‘Handycam’ Camcorder

FDR-AX100
Equipped with a 1.0-type back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS Sensor, image-processing engine, and newly-developed lens optimized for high-definition 4K video. It successfully depicts texture exactly as you see it, with high-definition perspective. This model is more compact and lightweight than its predecessor, the FDR-AX1, with approximately 1/4 less surface area and 1/3 less mass, enabling easy shooting in 4K*16/30p*17.

*16： QFHD （3840 x 2160）

*17： 429.97p

Capture One Express (for Sony) RAW converter and image editing software
The ‘Capture One’ RAW converter and image editing software from Phase One has been newly adapted for Sony. ‘Capture One Express (for Sony)’ will be provided at no extra charge to users who purchase an α interchangeable-lens camera or Cyber-shot RX digital still camera. This image processing tool incorporates an advanced RAW image processing engine to enable delicate images to be finessed to deliver a high-quality finish.

Sony PROduction Awards

THE SEARCH IS OVER...SONY PRODUCTION AWARDS 2014 WINNERS ANNOUNCED.

For the first time, this year’s Sony PROduction Awards was open to entrants from all over the world. Over 450 students, professionals, and amateur film enthusiasts, created their own short films for the chance to gain industry recognition and win the latest technology from Sony.

We assembled some of the biggest names in the industry to judge the creativity of each submission and how engaging the idea, content, cinematography, direction and production are. We were delighted to welcome renowned Director of Photography and Director Philip Bloom, as well as BAFTA Award-winning dramatist Tony Marchant to join Sony’s judging panel for 2014. Check out our full list of expert judges below.

● Philip Bloom, London-based Director of Photography and Director
● Molly Clarke, documentary filmmaker and Head of Communications at the Rory Peck Trust
● Mohammed El-Sehrawy, who joins us on the judging panel having won the Sony PROduction Awards last year
● Shane Hurlbut, world-renowned cinematographer and member of the American Society of Cinematographers and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
● Nino Leitner, Austrian Director of Photography and filmmaker
● Den Lennie, Founder of the F-Stop Academy
● Tony Marchant, BAFTA Award-winning playwright and dramatist
● Emmanuel Pampuri, French Producer and CEO of Les Machineurs
● Andrew Reid, Editor of EOSHD.com, a blog dedicated to helping budding filmmakers
● Sebastian Wiegartner, German Director of Photography and filmmaker